Stop Trying to Sound Smart When You’re Writing – Harvard Business Review

•Include what’s required to get your audience to interpret the message the way you want.
•The tone of your message comes out in the words you choose. Choose wisely.
•Don’t forget to make the ask.

Take one more pass through your message to see if the knowledge, perceptions, and emotions set up the action you were looking for.
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You want to fix anything that detracts from the core message. As Elmore Leonard said, “If it sounds like writing…rewrite it.” Here are a few things to check:
1. Eliminate fancy-pants words.
2. Beware of using words incorrectly.
3. Make bulleted lists flow.
4. Use an active voice.